Moistureproof package



Nov. 23, 1943. g, N x 2,335,019

MOISTURE PROOF PACKAGE Filed July 19, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 CHARLES .QMULLl/V/X,

INVENTOR A Tree/vs).

Nov. 23, 1943- c. D. MULLINIX MUISTURE PROOF PACKAGE Filed July 19, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 C HARLEs D Mu nv/x,

mvzmoa 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

ATTORN EY.

Nov. 23, 1943. c. D. MULLINIX MOISTURE PROOF PACKAGE Filed July 19, 1943 671,421. EsBMz/LL/Mx,

Nov. 23, 1943. c. o. MULLINIX 2,335,019

MOISTURE PROOF PACKAGE Filed July 19, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 671 421.55 D. MULL max, I N V E N TOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 23, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,885,019 uorsruamoor rscmion Charles D. Mullllllx, South Pasadena, Calif. Application July 19. 1943, Serial No. 495,270 6 Claims. (01. 229-87) This invention in its broad aspectsrelates to improvements in means tor packaging articles especially food products such as butter, oleomargarine, cereal food products, bacon, and the like, and the method of making up the package and applying it to the food product or other article packaged therein.

This application is a continuation in part of my co-pending application Serial No. 403,351 flied July 21, 1941.

While my invention is applicable to the packaging of all kinds of articles, as indicated, its advantages are so fully realized in the packaging of butter, oieomargarine, bacon and the like that for purpose oi! illustration I shall refer primarily to the packaging or such ioods.

Dealing first with butter, moisture evaporation is a serious factor in the storage and shipping oi! butter. Evaporation results not only in loss or weight, but in the formation of unsightly and undesirable salt crystals on the suriace oi' the butter, and a disturbance of the natural butter constituents and consequent impairment of flavor and quality.

It has been customary to store butter in tubs until ready for shipment and sale, because the moisture evaporation is less when the butter is retained in large bulk. For shipping and marketing the butter is cut into prints usually quarter pounds or one pound, and in the case of quarter pound prints four prints are usually assembled to make up a package. There is an Elgin style (square cross section) package generally used in the midwest, and in the east, and what is known as the Western flat style is generally used in the west. My drawings (Figures 1 to 6) illustrate a Western flat package. These designations are by way of example only for purposes of reference.

In each case the print is wrapped usually in vegetable parchment paper, and the print or prints so wrapped are packaged in a waxed carton, or in case a double wrapped package is desired, a dry waxed sulphite sheet is wrapped about the print or prints previously wrapped in parchment paper and the whole then packaged in the carton. The cartons are usually of board stock produced on what is known as a cylinder machine, and in producing such board stock fillers are used which sometimes contain contaminating substances. Such cartons are not sealed against escape or moisture. nor intrusion of air. dirt and other foreign substances, including odors, and in fact have a tendency to gap open at the flaps.

Vegetable parchment paper is permeable by moisture although it has high wet strength. Dry

waxed suiphite double wrap is insufllcient to prevent evaporation of moisture and the like from the butter prints even when used with the vegetable parchment initial wrap and inside oi the waxed board carton.

It has been found that the means and method of packaging as described above is relatively expensive and at the same time unsatisfactory in many important respects. Furthermore, printing on board is ordinarily dull when compared with printing on other types of stock, as for example sulphite, and the cost of manufacturing board cartons is considerably more than packages made according to my invention to be described.

The moisture content of butter is estimated to be about twenty per cent. Evaporation losses in weight of butter newly churned are most excessive during the first five or ten days. Consequently newly churned butter heretofore must be either immediately packaged and sold or tubbed for storage, it it is to be marketed with approximately its original moisture content. The economic difliculties of immediate sale, and the double handling when the butter is tubbed and sub sequently packaged are problems to be overcome by my invention. Moreover the double handling increases possibilities of contamination and possible deleterious effect on flavor and quality.

Since butter is greasy, is easily contaminated by dirt, dust and the like, is influenced by heat and cold, a proper solution of the packaging problem is the primary object of my invention.

In regard to butter substitutes, such as oleomargarine and the like, not only is the product per se cheaper and less able to sustain the added load of expensive packaging, but the product itself and the packaging and dispensing of it is generally subject to many legal restrictions and regulations.

Both butter and oleomargarine are usually overweighed when packed to allow for shrinkage losseswhen packaged in accordance with the prior art method and means, and there is thus a substantial item of money loss to the producer.

More detailed objects of my invention are to provide a package and method of making it which will:

1. Prevent evaporation and moisture losses;

2. Prevent contamination by dust, dirt and foreign substances, such as foreign odors;

3. Reduce packaging costs;

4. Provide a more attractive, more practical and more useful package;

6. Simplify methods at producing the package and introducing the articles to be packaged therein:

6. Reduce the weight of the package and generally simplify the same without loss of utility; and

7. Adapt the package to production on machines now existing with but minor modification.

Many of the foregoing objects are applicable to the modified form of package (Figures 7 to 11) intended primarily for bacon or other meats. Bacon is presently wrapped either in Cellophane sheets. or in soft grease-proof paper sometimes enclosed in board cartons. The Cellophane or waxed paper gives no support as a package. and the board cartons are subject to the same deficiencies as in the case of packaging butter.

The essence of my invention. as brought out in this specification, is particularly useful in packaging bacon. The same type of laminated blank is employed, and the completed package has the same general characteristics. but because of the nature of bacon (it has a solvent effect on the parailine and renders my package substantially self sealing) I find that a modified form 01' folding is advantageously employed.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a further consideration of the description and claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a package blank embodying the features of my invention.

Figure 2 is a cums-section taken on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating my package as partly formed.

Figure 4 is an end view of the package shown in Figure 3 in a further state of completion.

Figure 5 is an end view similar to Figure 4 illustrating an additional step in the fabrication of my package.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the package completed.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of a modified form of package blank embodying the features of my invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectlon taken on the line ill of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating my modified package as partly formed.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the package shown in Figure 9 in a further state of completion.

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the modified package completed. 7

Referring to the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6:

In the drawings I have omitted illustration of the contents of the package in order to clarify the illustration of the package itself. It is to be understood that in the packaging of butter. oleomargarine and other articles or products having the approximate form of the finished package. the article will be inserted therein as the package is in the process of formation prior to the condition shown in Figure 3. according to the preferred method of forming and utilizing the package. although it may be prepared on an aluminum or other type of form leaving one end only open for filling as for example in the case of cereals. and such open ends may be subsequently closed by a vacuum method of a character generalhv understood in the art.

The package is made of laminated paper blanks having at least two'layers. bonded y parafiine and latex or other moisture-proofing substance.

The blanks are most emcientiy manufactured from previously prepared rolls of the required finished width. simultaneously fed from the rolls in continuous webs or strips. Whil more than two layers may be employed, I find the use of two adequate, and will refer to only two in outlining the steps of the process.

The blank iii illustrated in Figure l is made in the following manner: paper, preferably sulphite stock of different thicknesses and widths. undergoes a continuous process involving the following steps:

1. Labels or other indicia are printed in the areas designated by the rectangles H, II. II and II. on the paper which is to comprise the outer layer of the lamination. This printing is preferably done with aniline or any quick drying ink of a character to be set by were In the form chosen for illustration the outer layer II is relatively heavy and the inner layer it is relatively light stock.

2. The two sheets of paper are emersed in a heated mixture of parafilne and latex or other moisture proofing bonding substance.

3. The wax paper in correct lateral registration is passed between rolls which compress the two sheets together.

4. Upon leaving the pressure rolls the laminated material is emersed in an icewater bath to set the wax and latex.

5. The laminated web isvacuum dried.

6. Transverse lines II which define the top and bottom corners Ill of the completed package are scored.

"I. The web is cut in lengths to form the blank.

Each blank thus comprises a rectangular laminated sheet of relatively thick heavy paper of lesser width and relatively thin light paper of greater width as illustrated. the laminations being bonded by a moisture proof material which impregnates the paper at the same time that it furnishes a bond between the lamlnations. This treatment also imparts body and stiffness to the blank. enabling the use of lighter paper for the heavy layer l5 than can be used satisfactorily for board cartons.

The margin of the heavy paper i5 is indicated at II, and the margin of the light paper is is indicated at Iii. Certain fold lines are shown in Figure 1 by reference numeral 2|, but these are for illustrative purposes only and according to my preferred method of producing the blank are not scored thereon.

I may produce the blanks in a manner to utilize the heavier layer on the outside. as illustrated; but for packaging some products the position of the heavier and lighter layers may be reversed. In packaging butter the illustrated form is ordinarily used.

Assuming these blanks are to be used for packaging butter or any other product preformed into a single print the full size of the package or into a plurality of prints assembled into the same total size, the packaging is performed in substantially the following manner:

(1) The blanks being contained in any suitable magazine. butter is introduced against the center panel Ito, and panels Na and its representing the top and bottom of the finished package are folded over. machines for this purpose being known to the art. Of course the same operation may be performed by hand. It is tobe understood that I utilize a true method in the sense that the various steps now being described may be done manually, but that in practice it is preferable to utilise machines for the purpose.

(2) Side edge 22 is folded along the scored line and sufiicient heat is applied to soften the parafllne and latex on the outer surface thereof.

(3) Overlapping edge a is then folded up and pressed into contact with edge 22, cold being applied to set the bond of paramne and latex between the contacting surfaces of the two edges. The package at this stage has the appearance illustrated in Figure 3.

(4) The side portions 23 and 24 of the ends are folded in preferably by use of a hot finger which softens the paramne and latex on the outer surface.

(5) The top end flaps 25 are folded down and heat is simultaneously applied to soften the paraiiine and latex on the outer surface.

(6) The bottom end flaps 20 are folded up and brought into contact with the flaps 25. A cold plate may be used for this purpose.

In heating the parafline and latex where the various folding is performed, it is preferable to utilize hot fingers or plungers which soften the parafiine and latex as the folding is taking place, so that no prolonged heat is introduced to the butter or other contents of the package.

This is important, because heat applied to butter will discolor and otherwise injure it.

The edges I! of the heavy layer it represent the end margins of the package, the end folding of the lighter layer it taking place along such margins. The fold lines 2i indicated in Figure 1 may of course be scored on the blanks, but this is not necessary, and the folding of the ends is readily accomplished in the manner described.

If the package is to contain cereal or other material or articles not preformed into prints naturally filling the package, it may be formed in the manner described to the extent applicable on an aluminum block or other type of form, leaving one end open, and after filling, the open end may be folded and sealed by the application of heat and preferably a vacuum plate of a type known to the art whereby a flap end closure is accomplished.

Packages of this general character are ordinarily stacked bottom upon top or on their side edges, not upon their ends. Therefore it is important that the top, bottom and sides of the package embody a firmness and protective rigidity which is not necessary at the end. I have thus used this fact to achieve a package which oifers adequate firmness and protective rigidity over all surfaces where that quality is necessary, and by eliminating heavier layers at the end, where it is not needed, I am enabled to perform compound folding and sealing operations described which would be quite dimcult and unsatisfactory if the heavy layer of the laminated blank extended the full width thereof.

My package is completely sealed against dirt and other foreign substances, is grease resistant, and is moisture proof to the extent necessary to retain butter, oleomargarine, or other food products with substantially their original moisture content and in a condition generally realized in canning processes. While in the preferred example of my invention I use a mixture of parafllne and latex to impregnate the paper and form the bond between the lamlnations as well as the final sealing of the package, the latex may be eliminated, and the parailine alone used, or I may substitute some other form of moisture proof sealing bond. It should have adhesive qualities, and

preferably coat the surface of the sheet material as well as impregnate the same. It should render the blank substantially impervious to air and moisture and resistant to grease. In any event I am enabled to produce in a single packaging operation, a completely sealed package having the necessary protective qualities, of improved appearance, and the ability to retain its shape and original sealing qualities indefinitely. I do not limit myself to the use of suiphite stock, as my method may be employed with other types of stock, but as suiphite stock may be manufactured cheaper than board and is adequate for ordinary purposes, my invention is responsible for the attendant saving. The nearest approach to a sealed carton or package of this general character, within my knowledge, is the combination of a board carton made in the conventional manner, and as a second operation enclosed with waxed paper. This involves a considerable number of manufacturing operations not required in my invention, and is unsatisfactory in various other respects. As before stated, packaging according to my invention may be accomplished manually, but is preferably done by machine, only slight modifications of available machinery being necessary to perform the several steps described.

My package is impervious to air in the generally accepted meaning with reference to treated paper containers. It is not absolutely airtight, but is substantially so, and the term is to be so construed when used in the claims.

Carton board is made on cylinder machines of which there are but a relatively small number in existence, and these are in tremendous demand at the present time due to the need for carton board in connection with national defense industries. There is no present shortage, how-- ever, in Fourdrlnier machines, which are capable of making .009 solid stock. This weight is too light to use alone for food cartons, but is adequate as the heavy lamination in my improved package.

The usual minimum weight of carton board used in food packages is .016, and my laminated blank in a combined weight not over .012 has firmness and rigidity equal to that of the .016 carton board.

Although I have herein shown and described my invention in what I have conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of my invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent structures and methods.

For instance the inner layer may be made of grease proof or vegetable parchment paper applicable especially to the packaging of oleomargarine and eliminating the conventional parchment inner wrap such as is used with the old style carton containing oleomargarine.

While, for convenience in description, I have specifically mentioned paper stocks as comprising the lamlnations of my blank, it is within the scope of my invention to utilize other sheet material having the general protective and manipulative characteristics ascribed to P per stocks. Such materials are known which are inherently heatsealing, and may be bonded to a second lamination without the preliminary bonding bath described for paper, by pressing under heated rolls. Other cellulose materials, such, for example, as Cellophane, can be subiected to the same treatment as described for paper I: desired, a window package may be made in using a transparent light lamination, and cutting out an area in a panel or panels or the heavy lamination.

In the modified form of package shown in Figures 7 to 11. Imay emmoy a laminated blank ill comprising at least one light sheet Si and at least one heavy sheet 8!, using materials and a laminating method as already described.

For bacon, and other meat products, the light sheet is preferably on the inside of the completed package, but this is optional.

of the Pack e.

In handling the blank to form the package, the product (for example. bacon i l) is laid on the self sealing, in any event. Heat may be applied to seal, if desired, but with a product such as bamn which imparts the solvent action or has the adhesive qualities referred to, the heat sealing is not n cessary. The solvent action is mild,

tain their shape.

Having dmcrlbed my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: 1. Pa kaging means: comprising a laminated blank formed with at least om relatively heavy paper sheet and at least one relatively light sheet of cellulose material. such blank being treated with a moisture proof adhesive substance which secures the heavy sheet throughout its area to inated central portion of the blank, the heavy sheet being of less width than the light sheet but of the same lemtn. the sheets being positioned with their medial longitudinal lines coinc ding. the laminated central portion of the blank being relatively still, and the blank folded along the fold lines so that the central laminated portion constitutes a relatively strong and rigid body part having a rectangular cros section about the top. bottom and sides of the product packaged, and the marginally extending portions of the light sheet only folded to close the ends of the package, and the overlapping folds sealed to make the package substantially impervious to air, moisture, and other deleterious influences which might ail'ect the contents.

2. Packaging means comprising a. laminated blank formed with at least one relatively heavy paper sheet and at least one relatively light paper sheet, such blank being treated with wax with their medial longitudinal line coinciding, the laminated central portion of the blank being relatively still. and the blank folded along the fold lines so that the central laminated portion constitutes a relatively strong and rigid body part about the top, bottom and sides of the product packaged, and the marginally extending portions of the light sheet only tolded to close the ends of the package, and the overlapping folds heat sealed to make the package substantially impervious to air. moisture, and other deleterious influences which might ailect the contents.

3. Packaging means comprising a laminated blank formed with at least one relatively heavy paper sheet and at least one relatively light sheet of cellulose material, such blank being treated with a moisture proof adhesive substance which secures the heavy sheet throughout its area to the light sheet and renders the blank substantially impervious to air and moisture, spaced parallel told lines extending transversely of the laminated central portion of the blank, the heavy sheet being of less width than the light sheet but of the same length, the sheets being positioned with their medial longitudinal lines coinciding. the laminated central portion of the blank being relatively still, and the blank being folded along the fold lines so that the central laminated portion constitutes a relatively strong and rigid body part having a rectangular cross section about the top, bottom and sides of the product packaged.

in: beyond the end of the heavy sheet 4. Packaging means comprising a laminated blank formed with at least one relatively heavy paper sheet and at least one relatively light sheet of cellulose material, both sheets of such blank stantlally impervious to air and moisture and resistant to grease, spaced parallel fold lines extending transversely of the laminated central portion of the blank providing rectangular areas defined by the fold lines and the side edges of said heavy sheet for label printing having a predetermined fixed position on the finished package. the heavy sheet being of less width than the light sheet but of the same length, the sheets being positioned with their medial longitudinal lines coinciding, the laminated central portion of the blank being relatively still, and the blank being folded along the fold lines so that the central laminated portion constitutes a relatively strong and rigid body part having a rectangular'cross section about the top. bottom and sides of the product packaged. and the marginally extending portions of the light sheet only folded to' close the ends or the package.

5. Packaging means comprising a laminated blank formed with at least one relatively heavy paper sheet and at least one relatively light sheet of cellulose material, such blank being treated with a moisture proof adhesive substance which secures the heavy sheet throughout its area to the light sheet and renders the blank substantially impervious to'air and moisture, spaced parallel i'old lines extending transversely of the laminated central portion of the blank, the heavy sheet being oi less width than the light sheet but the same length, the sheets being positioned with their medial longitudinal lines coinciding, the laminated central portion of the blank being relatively still. and the blank being folded along the fold lines so that the central laminated portion constitutes a relatively strong and rigid body part having a rectangular cross section about the top, bottom and sides of the product packaged, and the marginally extending portions of the light sheet only folded inwardly from the side edges of said heavy sheet and covering the end portions of said product to close the ends or the package with substantially none of the light sheet extenda ing beyond the ends of the heavy sheet.

6. Packaging means comprising a laminated blank formed with at least one relatively heavy p p r sheet and at least one relatively light sheet of cellulose material. both sheets of such blank being impregnated with a moisture proof adhesive substance which secures the heavy sheet throughout its area to the light sheet, coats the surfaces of the blank, andrenders the blank substantially impervious to air and moisture and resistant to grease, spaced parallel fold lines extending transversely oi the laminated central portion o1 the blank providing rectangular areas defined by the iold lines and the side edges of said heavy sheet for label prlnnmving a predetermined ilxed position on the ed package. the heavy sheet being of less width than the light sheet but of the same length, the sheets being positioned with their medial longitudinal lines coinciding, the laminated central portion or the blank being relatively still, and the blank being folded along the told lines so that the central laminated portion constitutes a relatively strong and rigid body part having a rectangular cross section about the top. bottom and sides .of the product packaged, and the marginally extending portions or the light sheet only folded inwardly from the side. ed oi said heavy sheet and covering the end portions of said product to close the ends of the package.

OHARLEBIIMULLINIX. 

